A snake bite by the Burrowing Asp, Atractaspis engaddensis

Kurnik, Daniel; Haviv, Yael; Kochva, Elazar

doi:10.1016/s0041-0101(98)00166-4

Cited by 30 publications

(12 citation statements)

References 9 publications

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“…A family of 21amino-acid peptides, originally isolated from Atractaspis engadensis snake venom, the sarafotoxins (S6a, S6b, S6c and S6d), display a high degree of sequence similarity to ET-1 [11]. Sarafotoxins induce immobilization of larger mammalian prey and symptoms of envenomation include a rapid rise in BP (blood pressure; produced by systemic vasoconstriction) and arrhythmia (due to direct inotropic actions on the heart associated with coronary vasoconstriction) [12,13].…”

Section: The Et Familymentioning

confidence: 99%

Endothelin, sex and hypertension

et al. 2007

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The ETs (endothelins) comprise a family of three 21-amino-acid peptides (ET-1, ET-2 and ET-3) and 31-amino-acid ETs (ET-1(1-31), ET-2(1-31) and ET-3(1-31)). ET-1 is synthesized from a biologically inactive precursor, big ET-1, by ECEs (ET-converting enzymes). The actions of ET-1 are mediated through activation of the G-protein-coupled ET(A) and ET(B) receptors, which are found in a variety of cells in the cardiovascular and renal systems. ET-1 has potent vasoconstrictor, mitogenic, pro-inflammatory and antinatriuretic properties, which have been implicated in the pathophysiology of a number of cardiovascular diseases. Overexpression of ET-1 has been consistently described in salt-sensitive models of hypertension and in models of renal failure, and has been associated with disease progression. Sex differences are observed in many aspects of mammalian cardiovascular function and pathology. Hypertension, as well as other cardiovascular diseases, is more common in men than in women of similar age. In experimental models of hypertension, males develop an earlier and more severe form of hypertension than do females. Although the reasons for these differences are not well established, the effects of gonadal hormones on arterial, neural and renal mechanisms that control blood pressure are considered contributing factors. Sex differences in the ET-1 pathway, with males displaying higher ET-1 levels, greater ET-1-mediated vasoconstrictor and enhanced pressor responses in comparison with females, are addressed in the present review. Sex-associated differences in the number and function of ET(B) receptors appear to be particularly important in the specific characteristics of hypertension between females and males. Although the gonadal hormones modulate some of the differences in the ET pathway in the cardiovascular system, a better understanding of the exact mechanisms involved in sex-related differences in this peptidergic system is needed. With further insights into these differences, we may learn that men and women could require different antihypertensive regimens.

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Section: The Et Familymentioning

confidence: 99%

Endothelin, sex and hypertension

et al. 2007

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“…Their fangs erect on a horizontal plane rather than on a vertical plane like in viperids, resulting in descriptive common names including switchblade snakes and stiletto snakes. Bites are characterized by strong, local pain accompanied by swelling and localized tissue necrosis (amputation resulting in some survivors), coagulation disturbances including elevated partial thromboplastin time and decreased prothrombin index, rapid and severe hypertension, and deaths have been recorded (Coppola and Hogan, 1992;Kochva, 1998;Kurnik et al, 1999;Lee et al, 1986;Leisewitz et al, 2004;Tilbury and Verster, 2016).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Factor X activating Atractaspis snake venoms and the relative coagulotoxicity neutralising efficacy of African antivenoms

et al. 2018

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Atractaspis snake species are enigmatic in their natural history, and venom effects are correspondingly poorly described. Clinical reports are scarce but bites have been described as causing severe hypertension, profound local tissue damage leading to amputation, and deaths are on record. Clinical descriptions have largely concentrated upon tissue effects, and research efforts have focused upon the blood-pressure affecting sarafotoxins. However, coagulation disturbances suggestive of procoagulant functions have been reported in some clinical cases, yet this aspect has been uninvestigated. We used a suite of assays to investigate the coagulotoxic effects of venoms from six different Atractaspis specimens from central Africa. The procoagulant function of factor X activation was revealed, as was the pseudo-procoagulant function of direct cleavage of fibrinogen into weak clots. The relative neutralization efficacy of South African Antivenom Producer's antivenoms on Atractaspis venoms was boomslang>>>polyvalent>saw-scaled viper. While the boomslang antivenom was the most effective on Atractaspis venoms, the ability to neutralize the most potent Atractaspis species in this study was up to 4-6 times less effective than boomslang antivenom neutralizes boomslang venom. Therefore, while these results suggest cross-reactivity of boomslang antivenom with the unexpectedly potent coagulotoxic effects of Atractaspis venoms, a considerable amount of this rare antivenom may be needed. This report thus reveals potent venom actions upon blood coagulation that may lead to severe clinical effects with limited management strategies.

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“…7 Clinical features of these envenomations usually involve localized pain, hemorrhage and swelling, regional lymphadenopathy with occasional discoloration, and blistering or necrosis at the bite site. 9 Treatment is supportive with analgesics, wound care, and fl uids as necessary. Neurological symptoms are usually absent, and systemic symptoms are uncommon.…”

Section: Chapter 176mentioning

confidence: 99%

Terrestrial Snakes (Suborder: Serpentes)

Barceloux

2008

Medical Toxicology of Natural Substances

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A snake bite by the Burrowing Asp, Atractaspis engaddensis

Cited by 30 publications

References 9 publications

Endothelin, sex and hypertension

Endothelin, sex and hypertension

Factor X activating Atractaspis snake venoms and the relative coagulotoxicity neutralising efficacy of African antivenoms

Terrestrial Snakes (Suborder: Serpentes)

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